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Streamer, no DAC please?

Sorry if this topic has been beaten to a pulp...I recently upgraded the digital side of my rig, Denafrips, Pontus 15 with a Project CD Box RS2T transport...

Now I have the itch to try streaming. It pains me to invest in a high end streamer and once again pay for a DAC.

Is it possible to find a quality steamer without a DAC? Any direction is appreciated, FYI, I consider myself a luddite.

larseand
larseand OP
70 posts
 

I plan to subscribe to Qobuz or perhaps Tidal...

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,922 posts
 

Most good streamers don’t have a DAC. Innuos, aurender, Grimm MU1, etc. the all-in-ones tend to be lower quality with some notable exceptions like the Grimm MU2.

PS  decide if you want to use Roon before you buy. this will influence your decision.

gkelly's avatar
gkelly
237 posts
 

As a Luddite get a WIIM mini. Cheapest way to educate yourself on streaming. 

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,013 posts
 

I would look at Innuos and Auralic in your price range.  Eversolo support is non existent.   It's decent hardware with a decent interface but if one of their firmware updates has a bug don't expect a fix.   Been waiting 6 months for USB out to work again with DAC.   

 

jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
1,002 posts
 

If you'r patient you can find Bryston BDP-3 for ~$1.5K.  There is a Bryston BDP Pi on here for $800.  Interface is spartan and they both are out of production but SQ is top notch. 

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